The Knowledge Triangle

Research, education and innovation are three central and strongly interdependent drivers of the knowledge-based society. Together they are referred to as the "knowledge triangle".

The central role of universities to provide human resources for research and innovation. Universities need close connections with cutting-edge research in order to provide high quality education. This close interaction between research and training activities is what gives universities their unique and crucial role in the knowledge society.

This is why it is important for the UK and Europe to have modern and leading universities. In most countries, there is still a need to improve management and organisation of universities and to give them more autonomy and accountability. This allows universities to develop their own strategies, to position themselves at European and international levels and to better link their activities with the needs of society and industry.

The UK Department for Business Innovation and Skills leads UK policy developing the knowledge triangle by supporting 'Knowledge and Innovation Communities' (KICs) in themes of social and economic importance to the European Union.